Technology in manafacturing Flashcards
what is automation
the process of using machines to do a task without much or any human input
advantages of automation
- robots can increase the speed of production as they’re faster than humans and don’t need rest
- robots can work with high accuracy, since they perform the same task consistently
- Less likely to make mistake, therefore can increase quality of products
- Can be used in dangerous situations
disadvantages of automation
- Robots can replace human workers, so fewer jobs available
- Expensive
- Robots cannot carry out tasks that require human judgement
what does smart technology do
they develop computerized machines by connecting them to other machines and sensors so they can share data
- they use this data to help organise what tasks the machine needs to do (without any human input)
how can materials, tools, equipment and products be tracked
- automatically (by tagging each box of material, tool etc), the tags can be scanned and detected as it moves around
why is it good to track the location of materials etc
- to monitor stock levels in raw materials and components
how can information be passed around in factories
- using smart machines
- phone, email, video conference
- tablets/ other devices to guide them around a warehouse
what is flexible manufacturing system (FMS)
- consists of a set of different machines which carry out different stages of production. These automated systems transport materials through different processes then store the finished product
advantages of FMS
- easy to adapt
- quick and straightforward to change
types of manufacture
- flexible manufacturing system
- Lean manufacture
what is lean manufacture
a type of manufacture that aims to minimise the amount of resources used and waste produced
- aims to minimise cost and maximise efficiency
what is the just in time system
a type of manufacture system where materials and components are delivered when they’re needed and are used as soon as they’re delivered
advantages of JIT
- reduces the amount of space needed for storage of materials and finished products - saves money
- Less money spent on materials that aren’t being used
disadvantages of JIT
- System relies on products being delivered on time, they might be late
- If the materials have faults, there won’t be time to return them
- money could be lost
what is an input
all of the materials, tools and equipment you started off with
